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Spas have been much sought after places since ancient times in the quest for solving health problems and achieving physical and mental well being.

As God”s gift to mankind they provide a vital therapy for the stress of everyday life. Some traditional spas are used exclusively for health reasons while others provide a refreshing new experience for those who like to take the waters in combination with discovering the beauty and culture of the surrounding environment.

There are many spas in Portugal but we will focus on the ones that complement in terms of tourist potential the itinerary created by Solares de Portugal.

Caldas de Monção was first mentioned in 1706 in the writings of a priest called Amaro who described the springs as “ a hot water eye where people come to bathe and wash their clothes”.

The spas were modernized in 2001 with the idea of linking health with leisure and entertainment. This resort is equipped with state of the art technology for the treatment of dermatology, respiratory problems, and mobility.

In Melgaço, the spa is recognised for respiratory and rheumatic therapies and treatments. Following the route through the Peneda-Gerês National Park you can visit the Peneda sanctuary, passing twisting roads and waterfalls and, at night, hearing the distant sound of wolves howling on the mountain tops.

In the Minho region, just 18 miles from Braga, the Gerês spa offers modern thermal treatments for digestive ailments among others. Leisure needs are satisfied by warm water swimming pool, the gym area, the Turkish bath, sauna and massage.

The spa is located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park which has 30,000 acres of ecological reserve with breath-taking scenery, archaeological sites, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Don”t miss the chance to visit the Furnas, S. Bento da Porta Aberta, Terras de Bouro, and the Barragem da Caniçada dam if you are into water sports.

About 10 miles from Braga, the Caldelas spa in Amares has been known since Roman times as witnessed by rock carvings found at nearby archaeological sites. The resort has anti-stress, weight-loss and rejuvenation programs, Vichy massage, and mud treatment complemented by physiotherapy.

Situated a few miles from Barcelos, the Eirôgo spa boasts some of the finest quality mineral waters in Portugal and the rest of Europe. Located in an area enclosed by pinetrees, vineyards and beautiful houses, his spa is specially equipped for the treatment of respiratory, dermatological and rheumatic illnesses.

The first reference to Caldas da Saúde waters dates to Roman times. The spa closed in 1987 but re-opened in 1994 totally equipped to meet modern day demands and the highest European quality standards. There is a health club with anti-stress programs and weight-loss treatments.

Down to Trás-os-Montes, the Vidago spa was the haunt of Portuguese high society and royalty, including King D Luis, in the 19th century because of the high quality of its waters which apart from drinking are also excellent for skin, nervous, digestive and respiratory health care. The location is beautiful and there are a number of leisure activities on offer including golf, horse-riding, tennis and boat trips.

The Chaves spa, which is inside the city and close to Vidago, has a unique characteristic: water that maintains a constant temperature of 73 degrees all year round.

The Roman nobleman Tito Flávio Vespasiano eulogised these waters and it is because of the importance of this natural gift that the city was born.

In the Beiras region the Caldas da Felgueira has been recognised since the beginning of the 19th century for the treatment of skin problems. In 1867, the Medicinal Water Company of Felgueira was established to provide therapy for lung and bone ailments.

The Buçaco spa is legendary and nearby Curia equally attractive. A royal license from King D Carlos in 1902 allowed its use by the local community. Set within a seven acre natural park with lakes and classified botanical species, this spa caters for endocrinal, rheumatic and bones problems.

For renal, skin and metabolism infirmities the Luso spa near the Mata do Buçaco National Park is a fine option.

Spas in the Alentejo region are legion. The mineral and medicinal properties of the springs of Cabeço de Vide were revered by the Romans and the remnants of a Roman health resort probably from the time of Augustus Caesar bear testimony to its ancient origins.

The sulphurous waters here are suited for the treatment of respiratory, rheumatic and skin complaints.

On the island of S.Miguel in the Azores, some 30 miles from Ponta Delgada, are the Furnas spas which possess vapour vents and hot water springs. Hot mud baths and other geothermic equipment is available to help cure respiratory, skin and rheumatic problems.

The use of spas is not merely about the cure or prevention of illness. Over and above the curative and wellbeing aspects of taking the waters there is another dimension which is the wealth of beauty of the surrounding nature, the cultural heritage, and the satisfaction and pleasure of entering a fine home where guests are treated as part of the family.

Solares de Portugal (2006), The Stamp of Quality